"The bottom line is we are about to raise a healthier generation in our county," said Nikki Highsmith Vernick, president and CEO of the Horizon Foundation.

Vending machines on county property will also offer non-fat and low-fat milk, fruit and vegetable juices and water.

Snacks with .5 or less trans-fat will be competing with candy bars. The options will also be low in sodium, sugar and calories. The limits will extend to county sponsored events.

"When we send our children to youth-sponsored activities in Howard County, there will be healthy food and beverage options. The communities voice has been heard," bill sponsor Dr. Calvin Ball said.

A Horizon Foundation commissioned poll found that 69 percent of voters support the move, but no one in 11 News' unscientific survey does.

"I think it is a personal choice. So you know, eating healthy is a great thing to do, but it is a personal choice," Howard County resident Kim Krug said.

"Let me make that decision. Too many decisions are taken out of our hands as a consumer," Howard County resident Dana Elliott said.

There are exemptions: Property managed by the Howard County Public School System and nonprofits.

"This bill provides lip service to the issue of improving health outcomes and it misses the mark," Kittleman said.

The council vote was not unanimous. Republican Greg Fox cast a dissenting vote.

"They didn't make anything stricter. If anything, they actually opened things up to further than what they were doing. You can serve diet Monster soda with artificial sweeteners and all sorts of stimulants, caffeine and anything else," Fox said.